Extinction Rebellion

Definition

Extinction Rebellion is a global environmental movement that uses nonviolent civil disobedience to compel governments and institutions to take urgent action on climate change and ecological collapse. By organizing protests, sit-ins, and other forms of artistic activism, the movement seeks to raise awareness about the climate crisis and mobilize people to demand systemic changes. The blend of art and activism within this movement emphasizes creativity in communication, aiming to connect deeply with individuals about the urgency of ecological issues.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Extinction Rebellion was founded in 2018 in the United Kingdom and has since spread globally, gaining millions of supporters.
2. The movement is known for its striking visual tactics, including die-ins, where participants simulate being dead in public spaces to symbolize the extinction crisis.
3. Extinction Rebellion demands that governments declare a climate emergency and take concrete steps to reduce carbon emissions to net zero by 2025.
4. The organization encourages a culture of creativity in activism, using art installations, performances, and street theater to engage the public and media.
5. The movement has faced arrests and backlash from authorities, yet it remains committed to nonviolent methods as a core principle.

Review Questions

• How does Extinction Rebellion utilize art as a form of activism to communicate its message?
  • Extinction Rebellion employs artistic methods like street theater, visual installations, and performance art to engage the public in discussions about climate change. This creative approach captures attention and fosters emotional connections, making the message more relatable. By transforming public spaces into platforms for artistic expression, the movement creates a compelling narrative around the urgency of environmental issues.
• In what ways does Extinction Rebellion’s strategy of civil disobedience align with historical movements for social change?
  • Extinction Rebellion's use of civil disobedience mirrors historical movements like the Civil Rights Movement and Gandhi's nonviolent resistance. By choosing nonviolent methods such as sit-ins and protests, the movement aims to disrupt the status quo without causing harm. This strategic alignment not only emphasizes moral urgency but also seeks to inspire public support and governmental accountability in addressing climate issues.
• Evaluate the impact of Extinction Rebellion’s approach on public perception of climate change and potential policy changes.
  • Extinction Rebellion's approach has significantly shifted public perception by amplifying the urgency surrounding climate change. Through high-visibility protests and creative messaging, they have brought climate issues to mainstream discourse. This increased awareness has pressured governments to consider more aggressive environmental policies, showcasing how impactful grassroots movements can be in shaping political agendas and public consciousness around ecological crises.

Related terms

Civil Disobedience: The act of peacefully disobeying laws or regulations to protest against perceived injustices, often used as a strategy by social movements.

Climate Justice: A concept that addresses the social and environmental impacts of climate change, emphasizing the disproportionate effects on marginalized communities.

Artivism: A blend of art and activism that uses creative expression to advocate for social change and raise awareness on critical issues.